The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has clarified why former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, was taken into custody. In a Wednesday announcement signed by media head J. Okor Odey, the agency confirmed the arrest was carried out under a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.
Nnaji was intercepted at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on July 1, 2026, upon his return to Nigeria. This operation was conducted with support from the Department of State Services (DSS), which then transferred the former minister to ICPC officials.
The commission noted that they had previously issued formal invitations for questioning on May 15, 2026, sent to his residences in Abuja and Enugu and via email. However, Nnaji did not respond to these notices. Consequently, the ICPC obtained a court order from the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 11, 2026, authorizing his arrest.
The investigation centers on allegations that the former minister falsified academic credentials, specifically a degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate during his 2023 ministerial screening. Currently, Nnaji is being held at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja as officials continue their inquiry.
